XV

FEBRUARY

It's amazing how many trends link all of today's talented up and coming rappers together. We are finally at a point in time where kids who grew up on real hip hop are coming of age and exploding onto the scene with their own unique style. Rappers are also taking advantage of the huge internet presence in hip hop by uploading a bunch of high quality music videos to sites like youtube and vimeo. This obviously lends to the talents of artists with more charisma and character. Finally, the growing movement of honest, introspective lyrics in rap is coming back with a vengeance. Hip hop went through a long period of gangster rap where emcees would talk about how many people they killed or drugs they sold. Before this time, hip hop was a type of folk music coupled with soul, where rappers could talk about their hardships and the struggle rather than how much money they have or how many women they get. Granted, this content never completely disappeared from the main stream as rappers like Nas and Kanye West have kept it alive throughout the years. It seems inevitable that with all of these new school rappers coming out like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Childish Gambino, it is only a matter of time before the realness takes over the radio once again.

XV embodies all of the above. His lyrics deliver an undeniable relatability that allow the listener to immediately connect to his songs. If you make a skin deep track, people may like that one song. But if you pour your heart and soul into it, people are going to like the person behind the song. That simple truth can go a long way. XV gained national attention with his mixtape Everybody's Nobody, subsequently signing a deal with Warner Bros. Records in 2010. Since then, he has put out seven mixtapes rounding out an astonishing collection of 19 total mixtapes since 2006. He has released a plethora of music videos as well which show off his personality, a winning combination of humor and originality. Completing his multifaceted approach to hip hop is his outstanding on-stage ability. His energy at shows grabs the attention of the crowd allowing rock all sorts of venues. Often playing the part of the opening act, XV handles the tough situation masterfully. There are few scenarios more difficult than opening for another artist as the entire crowd is waiting for someone else's performance. If you are not the best, you can lose a crowd quickly. Good thing XV is the best. His debut studio release with Warner Bros. Records is set to drop in early 2013 entitled The Kid With The Green Backpack. I expect great things from XV in the future. His body of work certainly demonstrates an unparalleled drive and determination that is sure to take him far in this competitive industry. Check him out!

(XV - Awesome)

(XV - The Kick)